Shoalhaven Lifeguards Sign Off On Successful Summer

The 2015/16 Patrol Season has been a busy one for Lifeguards from the Australian Lifeguard Service (ALS) who kept a close eye on beachgoers at eight beaches across Shoalhaven.

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There was a 10% increase in total beach attendances at Shoalhaven with the bulk of these visiting North and South Mollymook and Tilbury Cove. This can be attributed to the long hot summer which extended right through to the end of autumn.

Throughout the season Lifeguards carried out 63 significant rescues defined as rescues that prevented either a serious injury or drowning. South Mollymook and Narrawallee Beach accounted for over half of these incidents with a further five occurring at Crookhaven.

A key priority for Lifeguards was a continuing emphasis on preventative actions which was again reinforced in their pre-season training. The purpose of this training was to ensure that Lifeguards were aware of the need to constantly monitor their surroundings so that that they could intervene in situations before they escalated to the point that a rescue was required.

Some common incidents that necessitated preventative actions included reminding swimmers to swimmers to swim in the flagged area, being aware of tidal changes and the presence of rip currents.

As a result of this focus there were over 14,000 instances where Lifeguards effected a preventative action which is a significant rise on the 8,000 recorded in the 2014/15 season.

Lifeguards were forced to call upon their medical training on 123 occasions throughout the contract period treating injuries ranging from severe lacerations and bone fracture through to suspected spinal injuries. This was a slight increase (123) on the 99 recorded for the corresponding period last summer.

ALS NSW Manager Brent Manieri was delighted by the efforts of Lifeguards throughout the summer.

“Like every season there were a number of challenges thrown up for our Lifeguards but they all rose to the occasion and ensured that that visitors to Shoalhaven beaches were looked up with the professionalism that the public has come to expect from the ALS.”

Mr Manieri also praised Council for their commitment to safety on local beaches.

“A fundamental part of offering a protective service such as professional Lifeguards is the ability to be able to have a strong working relationship with other stakeholders.

"Shoalhaven City Council have a clear vision to ensure that both locals and visitors alike can enjoy their time in the area’s many beaches and our relationship with them continues to strengthen,” he concluded.

Beachgoers throughout the winter months are advised to visit www.beachsafe.org.au for a list of patrolled locations, access to weather updates, and handy tips to help you plan your visit to the coast. It is also available to download as an app.